Trina
Trina | |
|---|---|
| Born | Katrina Laverne Taylor December 3, 1974 Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, television personality |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Known for | Rap music, reality television (Love & Hip Hop: Miami) |
Katrina Laverne Kearse (born Katrina Laverne Taylor on December 3, 1974), professionally recognized as Trina, is an American rapper who rose to fame in the late 1990s through her collaborations with Trick Daddy on tracks such as "Nann Nigga," "Shut Up," and "Take It to da House." Her first album, Da Baddest Bitch (2000), was succeeded by the Kanye West-produced single "B R Right" featuring Ludacris, taken from her second album Diamond Princess (2002).
Trina's third studio effort, Glamorest Life (2005), included the successful single "Here We Go" featuring Kelly Rowland, which achieved gold certification from the RIAA. Her fourth album, Still da Baddest (2008), secured a top ten position on the Billboard 200 and claimed the number one spot on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The 2010 release Amazin' showcased collaborations with prominent artists such as Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross.
XXL magazine has described Trina as "the most consistent female rapper of all time." In 2014, Billboard recognized her among their "31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop" and ranked her #13 on their list of the 'Top 25 Best Female Rappers of All Time.'
Early life
Originating from Miami, Florida, Trina was raised in the Liberty City neighborhood. Her heritage includes a Dominican father and a Bahamian mother, who separated during her youth. After completing her education at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, she initially embarked on a career in real estate before transitioning into music.
Initial success and Da Baddest Bitch (1998–2000)
While pursuing real estate studies in 1998, Trina featured on Trick Daddy's single "Nann Nigga," which charted on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Rap Songs charts. This exposure led to her signing with Slip-n-Slide Records/Atlantic Records. Her debut album Da Baddest Bitch (2000) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 33 and reached No. 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, maintaining a presence for nearly twelve months and earning Gold certification from the RIAA.
Diamond Princess era (2001–2003)
Trina exercised enhanced artistic control over her sophomore album, Diamond Princess (2002), released through her own label imprint Diva Enterprises. The album debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales tallying 67,000 copies. Singles such as "Told Y'all" featuring Rick Ross and "B R Right" with Ludacris charted on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop listings.
Release of Glamorest Life (2004–2005)
Issued in October 2005, Glamorest Life debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and secured the No. 2 position on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums with initial sales of 77,000 units. The record included singles like "Don't Trip" featuring Lil Wayne and the gold-certified hit "Here We Go" featuring Kelly Rowland.
Still Da Baddest period (2006–2008)
Following a signing with EMI alongside Slip-n-Slide Records in 2007, Trina released her fourth studio album Still da Baddest in April 2008. The album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and topped both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts with first-week sales of approximately 47,000 copies. Notable singles included "Single Again" and "I Got a Thang for You" featuring Keyshia Cole.
Amazin' release phase (2009–2010)
Trina’s fifth album, Amazin', launched in May 2010, debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and reached number one on the Independent Albums chart with over 32,000 copies sold during its first week. The album featured singles such as "Million Dollar Girl" with Diddy and Keri Hilson along with collaborations involving Monica and Flo Rida.
Independent projects and label transitions (2011–2016)
Between 2011 and 2012, Trina issued mixtapes including Diamonds Are Forever and Back 2 Business, featuring artists like T-Pain, Rick Ross, Gunplay, Lola Monroe, and Shawnna. She parted ways with Slip-n-Slide Records in late 2011 to pursue independent endeavors. In 2015 she inked an imprint deal with Penalty Entertainment; Rico Love acted as executive producer for her forthcoming sixth album project. During this timeframe, she released singles such as "Real One" and "Fuck Boy," which received favorable reviews.
In March 2016, Trina unveiled the track "Overnight," addressing obstacles in her career including legal disputes and record label complications. She also contributed "Forget That" to the soundtrack of Meet the Blacks. Later that year saw the surprise release of an EP titled Dynasty 6.
Recent ventures including The One (2017–present)
In August 2017, Trina became part of VH1’s reality television series Love & Hip Hop: Miami. After several postponements, her sixth studio album The One was finally released in June 2019. She participated in a notable Verzuz battle against fellow rapper Eve in June 2021. Acknowledging her impact on hip-hop culture, Trina was honored with the BET Hip Hop Awards’ “I Am Hip-Hop” icon accolade in 2022.
Professional wrestling
In September 2022, Trina appeared as a celebrity guest on All Elite Wrestling’s AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage programs supporting wrestler Diamante before turning heel by attacking Diamante during a championship bout.
Personal life
Romantic relationships
Trina was engaged to rapper Lil Wayne between 2005 and 2007; they shared matching tattoos but endured a miscarriage during their relationship. She dated Young Buck from mid-2005 to mid-2006; basketball player Kenyon Martin between 2007 and 2010—who tattooed her lips on his neck—and rapper French Montana from 2012 to 2014. Engaged to Raymond Taylor in September 2021 prior to their split before 2024, Trina married rapper and entrepreneur Benjamin Kearse Jr. in May 2024; they appeared together on Love & Hip Hop: Miami, though public reception to their marriage has been mixed.
Family tragedies
Her brother Wilbrent Bain Jr. was fatally shot in 2013; her mother Vernessa Taylor died from cancer in September 2019; additionally, Trina's niece was killed in July 2022.
Philanthropy
Trina established the Diamond Doll Foundation aimed at empowering young girls confronting life’s difficulties. The foundation collaborates with the Florida Entertainment Summit to conduct an annual Jingle Bell Toy Drive benefiting children across South Florida.
Awards and nominations
Since 2001, Trina has earned multiple BET Award nominations for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and secured the BET Hip Hop Award’s I Am Hip Hop honor in 2022. At the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002, she received six nominations for "One Minute Man" alongside Missy Elliott and Ludacris. Throughout her career, she has been acknowledged by Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards and Source Hip Hop Awards; she also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the All Star Music Experience in 2014.
Discography
- Da Baddest Bitch (2000)
- Diamond Princess (2002)
- Glamorest Life (2005)
- Still da Baddest (2008)
- Amazin' (2010)
- The One (2019)
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | A Miami Tail | Alica Strada |
| 2004 | Sweet Potato Pie | Regina |
| 2011 | The Cookout 2 | Woman Placing Bet |
| 2021 | Dear Best Friend | Pamela |
Television
2011 2011–2014 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 BeingHip Hop SquaresThe Mane Event 2018 2018–2025 QueensBaddiesThe Real Housewives of Potomac| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | The 15th Annual Soul Train Music Awards | Herself | |
| 2001 MTV Video Music Awards | Presenter | ||
| Lady of Soul Awards | |||
| 2002 | 2nd Annual BET Awards | ||
| 2003 | Trina: The Making of a Diamond Princess | ||
| 2005 | 2005 Radio Music Awards | ||
| With Friends Like These | Cleo | ||
| 2006 | DJ Khaled Makes A Video: Holla at Me | ||
| BET Awards 2006 | Herself | ||
| 2007 | The Parker Report | ||
| 2008 | BET Awards 2008 | ||
| 2010 | The Mo'Nique Show | 1 episode | |
| Style-City Music Presents | |||
| 2010 VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South | Performer | ||
| My Mic Sounds Nice: The Truth About Women In Hip Hop | Documentary | ||
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La La's Full Court Life |
1 episode |
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RapFix Live |
2 episodes |
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Tiny Tonight |
Co-Host |
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1 episode |
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2 episodes |
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1 episode, Team Captain, Performer |
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1 episode, Contestant |
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Herself – Bridesmaid |
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Herself, 1 episode |
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Main cast member |
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Episode titled “2022” |
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Featured in backstage segments on AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, accompanying Diamante |
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Herself/Host, appeared in 3 episodes |
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Guest appearance, Herself, in 2 episodes |